[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 36 (Monday, February 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E182-E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING MONA GARIMELLA, BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER
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HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 28, 2022
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
recognize the exemplary work of Mona Garimella, an 11th grade student
at Maggie Walker Governor's School in Richmond, Virginia, and the high
school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier
this month. Ms. Garimella wrote a powerful essay on the legacy of my
former colleague, John Lewis, and the importance of getting into ``good
trouble.'' I am inspired by Ms. Garimella's words, and I encourage
young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to
them.
Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has
been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of
the African-American community.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mona
Garimella's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.
VA04 High School Black History Month Essay Contest
(By Mona Garimella)
``Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem
the soul of America.'' Former U.S. Representative John Lewis
once said this, a man who continuously fought for equality
and civil rights throughout his lifetime. Lewis's work as an
activist and government official made courageous strides in
our society that were of the topmost necessity. In a time of
pure hate and discrimination against African American people,
Lewis led significant protests, such as the iconic Freedom
Fighters protests against Boynton v. Virginia. He continued
his legacy as a leader in multiple nonviolence activist
groups and also when he eventually came to Congress. Today,
Representative Lewis's lifetime work of ``good trouble''
represents the necessity for society to continuously fight
for what is right and never be afraid to speak up for the
greater good, as it is our job as American individuals to
hold the government accountable and remain steadfast in our
morals so that we can prevent the tragic prejudices in our
history from occurring again.
It is hard to stand up for what is right. To speak up and
defy social norms is something that takes courage to do, but
it is of utmost importance that we do so; one must use their
freedom of speech to get in ``good trouble'' and stand up for
what is right. After years of inhumane police brutality
against African Americans and the tragic murder of George
Floyd in 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement gained a surge
of popularity larger than it had ever seen. Individuals of
all colors and backgrounds were using their right to protest
to create good trouble and be loud. They made it clear that
the violence and mistreatment of Black people in our country
have been inhumane for centuries now. It was sickening how
certain racial prejudices are still present today and even
supported by some law enforcement officials. Some news
sources viewed these protests as ``violent,'' but the
activists continued using their voices because they knew it
was the only way people would listen. As seen in Lewis's
civil rights work and the Black Lives Matter movement,
protests are important to bring the necessary change to our
society that is long overdue, particularly in civil rights
issues because the country needs to hear the stories of Black
people in order to truly understand the systemic issues with
our legal systems. Thus, it is only through the continuous
use of speech to create ``good trouble'' that our country can
at least somewhat right the wrongs in our legal system, as
the people wronged by the system deserve at least that much.
As students, along with using our voices, it is imperative
that we remain unified in our efforts so that we can create
greater change. If we all come together to share stories and
further learn about other perspectives while living as a
minority in America, we can truly create substantial change.
John Lewis was known to be both a man of action and a man of
words. Our words have so much value and power, and we must
use language as a collective body of young activists to learn
and come together to share these stories. Indeed using one's
voice can also be viewed individualistically, such as through
voting. However, the beauty of our democracy is that freedom
of speech along with the right to assemble and protest are
foundational elements of our country that promote community
buy-in. Voting is important, but it is our strength in
numbers that can truly move our nation to change, and it is
our job as young activists and the next generation to start
being more mindful of the stories of those hurt by our nation
so that we can come together and push through these issues
collectively.
When John Lewis was repeatedly jailed for his protests and
civil rights work, he continued to use his voice because he
knew our nation still had a long way to go. When Black Lives
Matters protesters were criticized for being too loud, the
activists continued to lead their efforts because they knew
that
[[Page E183]]
they could not stop now; evidently, the fight against racial
prejudice is a life-long battle. While it is not justifiable
nor acceptable, we as individuals carry implicit biases and
prejudices against other groups of people. However, it is our
duty as informed citizens and sympathetic human beings that
we continue to educate ourselves and create ``good trouble''
so that we can continuously learn. It is only through acts of
good trouble that we, as a society, can progress to a state
of being where individuals do not fear being pulled over by a
cop--one where Black people do not have to worry about being
unfairly stereotyped and having to face inhumane treatment
because of that. This is the absolute bare minimum, yet this
is where our society has fallen behind. Because of
individuals like Representative John Lewis, we were able to
dismantle a series of racist laws our nation shamelessly
agreed upon at one point in time, but it is our duty today to
continue that fight and John Lewis's legacy to truly mend the
wounds we have created.
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